Best-selling author, journalist Michael Shellenberger delivers keynote address
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Nuclear Frontier, a new feature documentary narrated by actor Boyd Holbrook (Narcos, Logan), premiered Monday to an overflow crowd at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, demonstrating the unprecedented interest in expanding nuclear power. The documentary’s filmmakers today embarked on a nine-state tour with screenings at 14 college campuses to continue the national conversation about the future of nuclear power and the role of America’s next generation in building it.
“The miracle of atomic energy perfectly answers the enormous quantity of pent-up energy and desire that exist in our culture and the body politic for Americans to now build something together,” said best-selling author and journalist Michael Shellenberger, who offered a keynote address at the premiere. “Building nuclear plants affirms our nation, our humanity and life on earth. It’s time to build.”
The event also honored South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster for his commitment to expanding nuclear power. South Carolina ranks as the third-largest nuclear-producing state with nuclear generating more than half of its power.
Directed by award-winning and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Evan Mascagni (Building a Bridge, Circle of Poison), the film follows young advocates, also known as “nukefluencers,” and business leaders as they push for the expansion of nuclear power in America, where energy demand is surging due to factors including the construction of AI data centers.
“The overflowing crowd at the Kennedy Center confirmed what I noticed when I first began exploring nuclear power,” Mascagni said. “There’s a remarkable amount of interest right now in how nuclear fits into the broader conversation about energy — not just as a technology, but as part of the larger story of how we meet growing power demands with zero-carbon, clean solutions.”
The Nuclear Frontier offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how industry, technology and policy are converging to shape America’s next energy chapter, particularly as the country competes against China for leadership in nuclear’s zero-carbon technology. The United States has built just two nuclear reactors in the past 30 years, while China has built 37 in just 10 years and has another 30 under construction.
The documentary was filmed at locations including California’s Diablo Canyon Power Plant, which had been slated for closure before a combination of employee efforts and broader pro-nuclear advocacy influenced the decision to extend its operation. Other filming sites included the University of South Carolina and Washington D.C.
This event is an external rental presented in coordination with The Kennedy Center Campus Rentals Office and is not produced by The Kennedy Center.
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